Most job seekers use LinkedIn the same way:
Scroll the job board. Click "Easy Apply." Send. Repeat.
And then wonder why they're not hearing back.
Here's the truth: LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools in your job search, but not because of the job postings.
The real power is in how you position yourself, who you connect with, and how visible you become to the people who are actually hiring.
Today I'm breaking down exactly how to make LinkedIn work for you — step by step.
Step 1: Optimize your profile so recruiters can find you
Somewhere between 72-95% of recruiters actively use LinkedIn to source candidates. But they're not scrolling through applications — they're searching for people with specific titles, skills, and experience.
If your profile isn't optimized, you're invisible.
Here's where to start:
-
→ Update your headline. Include your target job title, 2-3 key skills, and a short statement that sets you apart. (Not just "Open to Work" or your current title.)
-
→ Add skills — lots of them. LinkedIn lets you add up to 100. Make sure they align with the job descriptions you're targeting and you ACTUALLY have those skills.
-
→ Fill out your experience sections with accomplishments. Not just job titles and company names — actual results you've driven.
-
→ Add education, certifications, and credentials. These help recruiters filter searches and help alumni find you. Tip: You can add skills here as well!
When your profile is optimized, recruiters come to you. I've seen clients increase their profile views by 1,000% or more just by making these changes.
Step 2: Search posts — not just job listings
Here's something most people don't realize: a huge number of jobs are never posted to the Jobs tab. They're shared as regular posts by recruiters, hiring managers, and employees announcing openings on their teams.
Try this:
-
→ Type your target job title into the LinkedIn search bar, add #hiring
-
→ Filter by "Posts"
-
→ Sort by "Latest" to see fresh opportunities
You'll find recruiters sharing roles directly, hiring managers looking for referrals, and employees posting about openings at their companies. These posts get far fewer applicants than official job listings, which means less competition for you.
Step 3: Find and connect with the right people at your target companies
Don't wait for a job posting to reach out.
-
→ Search for the company name + "HR" or "Talent Acquisition" to find recruiters
-
→ Search for the company name + the job title one level above your target role to find potential hiring managers
-
→ Look at what they're posting — are they sharing openings? Talking about their team?
Start engaging with their content. Comment thoughtfully. Share their posts. Add value.
It takes about 7 interactions for someone to become familiar enough with you to engage in conversation. If a company matters to you, invest the time to build that familiarity before you need to ask for something.
And yes — message them directly too. A short, personalized note can open doors.
(In next week’s newsletter, I will break this section even further down for you!)
Step 4: Click the "I'm Interested" button
This one takes 10 seconds and most people skip it.
Go to the LinkedIn Company Page of any company you'd love to work for. Navigate to the About section and click "I'm Interested."
Your profile gets privately shared with recruiters at that company. Members who do this are 2x as likely to get a message from a recruiter.
It's a small action that puts you on their radar before roles even get posted.
Step 5: Leverage your alumni network
Cold outreach is hard. But alumni outreach? That's different.
Research shows alumni are 3x more likely to help each other — simply because you went to the same school. It's human nature. We help people who feel familiar.
Here's how to use it:
-
→ Go to your university's LinkedIn page and click the Alumni tab
-
→ Filter by where they work, what they do, and where they live
-
→ Look for people at your target companies or in your target roles
When you reach out, mention your shared connection:
"Hi Sarah — I noticed we both graduated from [University] and studied marketing. I'm currently exploring opportunities in brand management and would love to hear about your experience at [Company]. Would you be open to a quick chat?"
The more you have in common, the more likely they are to respond.
Step 6: Show up consistently (THIS IS HUGE)
This is the piece most people skip and it's the one that compounds over time.
-
→ Spend 15-30 minutes a day engaging on LinkedIn
-
→ Comment on posts in your industry
-
→ Share your own insights, lessons, or career updates
-
→ Congratulate people on new roles and promotions
Active profiles get more visibility. Visibility leads to inbound opportunities. Recruiters are searching. Hiring managers are watching. The question is: are they seeing you?
The bottom line:
LinkedIn isn't a job board. It's a visibility platform.
The job seekers who land faster aren't just applying to more roles. They're showing up strategically — optimizing their profiles, building real connections, and making themselves easy to find.
That's the shift.
If your LinkedIn profile isn't getting views, your resume isn't landing interviews, or you're just not sure what's not working — I'd love to help.
DM me on LinkedIn and let's talk about getting your resume and LinkedIn updated so they're actually working for you.
You've got this. đź’›
Alyssa
Thanks for reading Rise & Shine by Rise Up Career Coaching.
This newsletter is for high-performing professionals who feel stuck, overlooked, or unsure of their next move — and want a clearer, smarter way to navigate the modern job market.
Here, I share real talk about:
-
Getting clear on what you actually want next
-
Navigating job searches without mass applying
-
Networking in ways that actually lead to conversations
-
Interviewing with confidence (even if you’re rusty)
-
Negotiating offers without leaving money or opportunity on the table
The job market has changed, but most career advice hasn’t. I’m here to help you stop guessing and start moving forward with clarity and strategy.
I'm here to change that.
Get the newsletter delivered straight to you:
📧 Email: Sign up on my website.
đź’™ LinkedIn: Subscribe here to get it in your feed
ALYSSA BAILEY is a Certified Professional Career Coach who helps high-performing professionals get unstuck and land roles that match who they are now. With 15+ years of corporate experience, she’s guided clients through career transitions, interviews, and negotiations — helping them turn experience into opportunity.
If you’re done waiting for clarity or the “right time,” this is your sign.
Your next role won’t come from working harder. It comes from having the right strategy.
Let’s make your next move — intentionally.
P.S. If you’ve been thinking about making a change “someday,” remember: clarity doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from action.
Let's make your next move. Contact me today.
To read past Rise & Shine newsletters, you can find them here.
Responses